Dogs and cats and books...OH MY!

November 23, 2012

Note: This is the first of a two-part series on favorite cat and dog books. Readers are encouraged to send Ms. Maurer their favorite titles for next month's column.

A warm, fuzzy body; a hot cup of tea; and a good book - now that's the way to enjoy a cold winter's day. Whether you have a cat or a dog with you in your easy chair, you will enjoy "The Dog Who Rescues Cats: The True Story of Ginny" by Philip Gonzales and Leonare Fleischer (HarperCollins, 1995). Ginny, a terrier mix, not only rescues cats; she rescues Gonzales as well. Philip Gonzales had lost all interest in living after an industrial accident left him disabled. A friend suggested he adopt a dog. Reluctantly he went to the shelter, where Ginny, a badly abused one-year-old pup, quickly won him over. Philip realized immediately that Ginny was no ordinary dog - she had an amazing sixth sense that enabled her to find and rescue stray and ailing cats. There's Madame, who is completely deaf; Revlon, who has only one eye; Betty Boop, who has no hind feet; and Topsy, a paralyzed kitten (book jacket).

"Amazing Gracie: A Dog's Tale" by Dan Dye and Mark Beckloff (Publishing, 2003) is the true story of one delicate, deaf and partially blind albino Great Dane and the men who found ways to support her health. In a "eureka moment" born of Gracie's anorexia-inducing dislike for commercial dog food. Dan teaches himself to cook and within three days begins baking the dog cookies that will transform their lives (book jacket). In learning what to feed her, Gracie's guardians found a new career - they are the owners of Three Dog Bakery.

Article Photos

Submitted photos

Pickles is a sweet boy who loves attention and affection! He was found a stray but has strayed his way into all our hearts. He gets along well with other dogs, cats and children.

Sassy Cat is about 9-years-old, a sweet girl; she just doesn’t like being picked up. She does get along really well with other pets and kids. She still has a long life ahead of her and would love to be your best friend.

Lilly loves to receive pets and enjoys playing with string toys.

Abe is initially shy but warms up quickly. He’s friendly and playful — but very fast! Abe needs a fenced yard.

Some of our favorite animal books have been turned into movies. As a child, Robin loved the book "The Incredible Journey" by Sheila Burnford (Yearling, 1997). She loved that the dogs and cat - the doughty young Labrador retriever, the roguish bull terrier and the indomitable Siamese (book jacket)-were portrayed with a richness of character. She wanted to believe the journey of the three animals back to their original people really happened. In the movie (Walt Disney Pictures, 1993), "Homeward Bound, the Incredible Journey," the animals - Shadow (golden retriever), Sassy (Himalayan cat), and Chance (American bulldog) face a variety of trials as did their counterparts in the book before being reunited with their family. Jason met the dog who played Shadow shortly after the movie was released. He said the actor was just like his character - dignified and poised.

Cat lovers have devoured the books of Cleveland Amory - "The Cat Who Came for Christmas," "The Cat and the Curmudgeon," "The Best Cat Ever" (Bay Books 2001, 2002, 2003, respectively). All three books chronicle Amory's love for his cat Polar Bear. Amory, a confirmed dog lover and admitted curmudgeon, weaves his tale of life with the scrawny cat who came for Christmas and stayed for 15 years.

The classic, "White Fang" by Jack London (Dove Publications, 1991), is a favorite of Megan's because the author never spared the reader from experiencing the violence of the story. White Fang, a wolfdog, experiences great cruelty at the hands of humans during the Alaskan gold rush. When he nearly dies in a brutal dogfight, he is rescued by a man who shows him kindness for the first time. Megan saw the grim realities of nature and civilization clearly depicted. However, despite the darkness and brutality, human and dog form a loving bond that withstands all tests.

These are just a few of the thousands of books about companion cats and dogs. What are your favorites? Maybe it's time to take one out and reacquaint yourself with it. Or maybe it's time for a new favorite. Fur*thermore, enjoy reading your book with your companion at your side.

Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers (Charles William Eliot). We can say the same about your companion animals - well, maybe not always the "quietest" part, but surely the rest is accurate.

Note: I'd like to thank The Journal for posting pictures of adoptable animals at area shelters. Please support your local animal shelter with your time, talent, money, and most of all your kindness by adopting these beautiful creatures.

- Next month, more favorite cat and dog books. Ginnie R. Maurer lives in Falling Waters and can be reached at ginnie.maurer@juno.com.